The National Gallery of Art Acquires an Artemisia Gentileschi masterpiece.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. has acquired Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, a significant Baroque painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, marking a major expansion of its holdings of works by one of the 17th century’s most celebrated female artists. The circa 1625 oil depicts the biblical figure in a state of spiritual transformation. It was previously in private hands before resurfacing in 2011.
Justin Vivian Bond and Jonathan Anderson collaborated on an opera commission.
The new opera Complications in Sue, premiering at Opera Philadelphia’s Academy of Music in February 2026, is an unconventional, episodic work created by a team including librettist Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), performer Justin Vivian Bond, and fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, with music by ten different composers. The surreal piece traces the life of its central character Sue across decades, blending humor, social commentary, and multimedia theatrics, and is anchored by Bond’s charismatic performance.
Stephen Friedman is liquidating his gallery business after three decades.
After more than 30 years in the contemporary art world, Stephen Friedman Gallery has entered administration and closed both its London and New York spaces, ending operations amid mounting financial strain. It will no longer be presenting at Art Basel Qatar, with its planned booth instead supported by another gallery, while the future of its roster of roughly 39 artists and estates remains unclear.
The TEFAF New York 2026 exhibitors have been announced.
From May 15-19, TEFAF New York will return to the Park Avenue Armory with presentations of modern and contemporary art, design, jewelry, and antiquities from 88 international exhibitors, preceded by an invitation-only collectors’ preview on May 14. This edition sees 78 dealers returning, including four after an absence. The fair will also welcome 10 new exhibitors from seven countries, including FORMS, Larkin Erdmann, David Lévy & Associés, Galerie Lelong, ML Fine Art, and Macklowe Gallery.
Movie poster artist John Alvin’s archive is seeking a buyer.
The estate of movie poster artist John Alvin—the creator of key art for films like “E.T.,” “The Lion King,” “Blade Runner,” and more—is seeking a buyer for his archive of more than 1,000 original posters, sketches, and illustrations. His widow and longtime collaborator, Andrea Alvin, hopes the collection will remain intact rather than be broken up, preserving the full story of his creative process from concept to final artwork.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Rudolph Schindler’s Druckman Residence is back on the market.
Gerhard Richter’s chromatic sculpture “Strip Tower (962)” contrasts the snow in Sils Maria, Engadin.
A clock and watch pairing unlike any other debuts from Louis Vuitton and De Bethune.
A glimpse behind the curtain of the 150th Westminster Dog Show.
